The Nonchalant Girl That's Secretly In Love with The Boy Next to Her

Contents

Prologue – The Messy-Haired Boy and the New Transfer Student 2

Chapter 1 – Didn't I tell you I've already moved on!? 17

Chapter 2 – Isn't teamwork always the key? 42

Chapter 3 - The Typical Kind of Sister Material 55

Prologue – The Messy-Haired Boy and the New Transfer Student

Osaka Private Senior High

The bell rang throughout the school, signaling for students to go to their classes. The hallway quickly filled with chatting students, backpacks on their backs and smiles on their faces, excited for a new day.

Mizuki Akira, a 16-year-old boy with messy black hair, walked down the hallway with his hands in his pockets and his head lowered. He seemed to be a little lost in thought as people and commotion from school passed by him.

"Hey, Akira!" a voice called out behind him, startling him from his thoughts. 

"You ok there, man? You were in a deep thought, I called you like three times." 

"Yeah, just thinking about something." Akira responded, a nonchalant expression on his face. 

His friend was used to his spaced-out expression, so he didn't mind it.

They continued walking in relative silence for a minute, before his friend spoke up again. "Hey, so did you hear about the new transfer student?"

"Nope, I didn't. What about them?" 

"They say she's pretty cute! I already have a name for her!"

"Oh yeah? And what would that be?"

"She's so pretty and cute, I'll call her princess!" He said again, a confident smile on his face.

Akira let out a light huff of annoyance, trying to hide his amusement. "Princess? That's a pretty stupid name."

"Hey, I think it fits! A pretty princess is exactly how she looks. She might be a bit mean though. She's my type you know?"

"You're the only one that thinks that, idiot. She's your type, a mean girl? Your taste buds need some work, buddy."

"Hey, don't doubt me! You'll see when you meet her, you'd think she's a princess too!" He said, confident and with a smug smile.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll believe it when I see it." Akira said back with a roll of his eyes.

"Just you wait, you'll be calling her that too. Hell, you'll even be drooling."

"I will not and I would never. Just because I think a person is pretty doesn't mean I'll be drooling over them."

"Oh really? Then why do you always check out all the girls in class? You think they're 'pretty', huh?"

"Nah, none of them are my type." Akira chuckled. 

His friend let out a surprised laugh. "Seriously? But none of them? There has to be at least one you're interested in."

Akira shook his head, "Nope, none of them. As you said, they're pretty, but they're not my type. But what about that girl you're saying, what's her name?" Akira asked curiously. 

"You mean the new transfer? Her name's Kotori." His friend said, a grin on his face.

"Oh, Kotori Mika? Yeah, I know her name."

His friend was taken back by his response. "How did you know her name? I didn't say it fully."

"The office makes a list of all the upcoming transfers before school. I look through them to get a look at the new kids that are coming in."

"Ohh, that makes a lot of sense, always the over prepared one." His friend said as he lightly bumped into his shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, I always like to be prepared." Akira responded, with a smile on his face.

His friend chuckled, "I don't understand how a guy like you who's always prepared still forgets to bring his damn books to class."

"Says the one who forgets his bag all the time." Akira laughs. 

"Hey!" His friend protested with a huff. "That was one time!"

"Yeah right, it's happened like three times this week, and where's your bag now?" Replied Akira, an amused smile on his face.

"You had to ask that, huh..."

"You forgot it again, yeah?"

"Sh-shut up! It's all your fault!" He said as he lightly shoved him.

The bell signaled for classes to start, and the hallway began to clear out, students going to their classrooms.

Akira and his friend, after walking a bit longer, arrived outside of their classroom.

"The bell is ringing, let's go to our classrooms, see you!"

"See you later, Akira." 

Akira and his friend separated as they went to their neighboring classrooms.

They entered, greeted by the students around them. Several of the female students glanced at Akira as he passed by. He ignored them, and went to his seat, which was in the back of the room. He sat down, waiting for the teacher to begin the class.

Akira turned to his right when a new face entered his eyes, he whispered to himself with a shocked face saying "That's a new face around here…- Wait, no way, I'm sitting next to Mika...?"

As the classroom settled down, a new voice caught Akira's ear. He turned to his side to see a female student sitting down next to him.

She was fairly small in stature for her age, with a small chest and fair skin. She had waist-long light brown hair with a few highlights in it and bright red eyes. This girl, was Kotori Mika.

Mika settled down at her seat, pulling out her bag. She was quite focused on taking her stuff out, not noticing the person sitting next to her.

He was used to the other female students in his class, who were more on the larger and taller side, so it was quite a new experience to see such a fairly small and cute girl. 

Mika sat up from pulling her stuff out, and noticed the pair of eyes staring at her. She turned her head to see the messy black-haired boy next to her, staring at her. 

Her eyes widened, a little surprised that he was staring at her. She felt her cheeks start to heat up a bit, the staring making her feel a bit self-conscious.

"What are you staring at? Why are you staring at me you creep..." Mika said with an annoyed tone, her voice a bit louder than a whisper. 

The class was still chatting, so her voice didn't reach anyone else apart from the boy next to her.

Akira snapped out of his staring, realizing he was caught by Mika. He quickly sat back, a small blush on his cheeks as he looked away.

(Whaaa~!!! Did she just call me a damn creep!?? Does this girl think I drool for girls??!) He covers his shock after Mika calling him a creep and pretends not to care by talking nonchalantly. 

"O-oh, yeah sorry, I didn't mean to stare. You're the new girl, right?" He said, trying to act nonchalant. 

Mika stared at Akira directly in the eye in an annoyed look. "Yeah, why? Creepy guy..." The class had gone silent now, the teacher was in the room preparing to start the lesson.

"R-right." Akira mumbled, embarrassed by his sudden stuttering. 

(She called me a creepy guy~!! Whaaaaa!!???- I swear this girl has too much guts to say that. After all, she's a bit mean. Or something else... No, it's impossible for her to like me secretly, she wouldn't even like a guy as someone like me!!! And she called me creepy!!)

He tried to ignore the shock and redness that was surely on his face, and continued speaking. "Your name is Kotori Mika, right?"

Mika still annoyed of why the boy next to her was asking what her name was, said a simple "Yeah."

She looked at the boy talking to her, studying his features and messy black hair. She thought he was pretty cute, albeit a little bit of a mess. 

Not to mention, his voice was surprisingly nice. She then looked away after. 

Akira was having a hard time keeping his blush down, Mika's silence was kind of adorable, and her looks were surprisingly cute. 

For Akira, he doubted she was a tsundere, I mean... Would she even like a boy like him?  

The sound of the teacher snapping him out of his thoughts and clearing his throat interrupted their short interaction, the class instantly turning their attention to the front.

"Alright everyone, that's enough talking, let's get started with today's lesson." The teacher said, looking around the room. 

Everyone settled in their seats, and the new lesson begins. The teacher started writing on the chalkboard, not noticing the two people in the back of the classroom staring at each other.

Akira tried to pay attention to the lesson, but the girl next to him was being too distracting.  But he quickly shook his head at the same thought that, no, there's probably no way she would like a guy like him.

(This boy looks kind of cute...~ There's something about him that I can't quite figure out... yet...) Mika thought to herself. 

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Everyone packed up their things, talking with their friends and discussing the lesson. 

Akira quickly packed up his things, the period seemed to have gone so slowly from how distracted he was. He got up from his seat, and was about to leave before a voice called out to him.

"Hey, wait a minute." She said with her cheek resting on her palm, as her hands were put up to carry her head whilst her elbow was on the table, her cheeks a bit flushed. 

Akira turned, and he was met with the girl next to his desk, Mika. Akira was surprised, he wasn't expecting the somehow annoyed girl next to him to call out to him. He looked at her, noting the blush on her cheeks.

"What's up? Something wrong?" He asked, a little curious as to why she had called out to him.

"Nothing's wrong, I was wondering if I could ask you something." She said quietly, her voice still a bit annoyed. 

"Uh, sure! What is it?" He responded, not sure what to expect from her.

"This may be a weird question. But, do you think I'm ugly?" She asked quietly, and she looks away as her eyes quickly look at the window.

Akira's eyes widened; he was completely caught off guard by her question. He quickly shook his head in response. 

(Why would she ask that?! She's literally the center attraction and type of the whole school!!) 

He sighs but answers "No, no! Of course not. You're not ugly. Why would you ask that?"

Mika looked a little relieved. "Really? It's not that I think I'm ugly or anything, I just... Well, everyone in the class is, well a tad taller and bigger than me..." She mumbled. 

Akira's eyes widened more, understanding what she meant by "bigger". He mentally facepalmed, of course she was worried about that, she was only as tall to his shoulder.

"What? No, no, no. That doesn't mean anything. You're not ugly because you're small." He said quickly, a strange sense of protectiveness coming over him.

Her eyes widened as she looked at him. She hadn't been expecting a response like that.

"Really? But I know everyone likes girls that are more, you know, developed." She said quietly.

Akira's thoughts immediately went to the other female students in the class, ones with bigger sizes. He knew many of the guys in the class were attracted to girls like that.

"Not everyone. Maybe some guys like that, but not all of them. I don't think all guys are that superficial." He said truthfully, trying to dismiss her worries.

Mika looked at him, surprised at his response. She had been expecting him to say that he liked those girls, but he didn't. She was also even more surprised at how he didn't even glance at the other girls in the class, when it was obvious how attractive they were.

"You don't think that?" She asked, her voice quiet and unsure. But behind her eyes were a mix of joy and relief. 

Akira nodded, looking straight at her. He made sure to keep his eyes directly on her face, not wanting her to think he was looking elsewhere.

"Of course not, there's more to a person than how they look. "As they say, there's more than what meets the eye." And... I think you're pretty cute just the way you are." He said, mentally smacking himself for letting that last part slip out.

Mika was delighted at his compliment. She had expected him to say that size didn't matter, but she didn't expect him to blatantly say that he thought she was pretty.

She stared at him, a little at a loss for words. No one had ever called her "pretty" before. All she could do now was show a shy smile. 

(Why the hell did I say that?! No, no, no this can't be... Augh!! It's up to her reaction and what she responds...!) 

"You think I'm pretty?" She managed to say. 

Akira was a bit embarrassed from his earlier compliment, but he decided to commit to it. She was looking at him, and he could tell her heart was beating fast as well. He swallowed, trying to keep his heartbeat down.

"Yeah, I do think you're pretty. I think you're adorable." He answered, trying to maintain a calm composure. 

He wasn't ashamed, even though it was hard to admit. He was happy for at least telling the truth from his and everyone else's perspective. 

Mika was sure her face was redder than a tomato at this point, hearing him say she was cute again. She fidgeted nervously, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She had never had someone say that to her before, and she could only imagine how much her face was giving away how she was feeling.

(He actually thinks I'm cute... This feeling, happiness...? How could he get this out of me...? He has something, but I still can't figure what it is...) 

She thought, not believing what she was hearing. She faces to the window again, Akira thinking that she got a little embarrassed, but the real reason was to hide her smile, she's not ready to show it yet. 

Akira really does admire Mika's cuteness and disregards her size. A thought came to him when he remembered his conversation with his friend earlier in the hallways. It was that Akira's friend also likes Mika's cuteness and beauty; he includes the type of situation to try to make Mika not feel left out. 

"Other people like your cuteness too, you know... So, don't feel that way because you're a tad smaller than the others. I'm sure people will admire you too, right? And, I forgot to mention. My name is Mizuki Akira. Welcome to Osaka Private Senior High, Mika." Akira said with a smile on his face. 

Mika's eyes widen as Akira's compliments go their way to Mika's ears as a fast and loud train passes by. She felt better all of a sudden, if it wasn't for Akira, Mika wouldn't have been this happy than ever before.

 "A-actually...?" Mika responds with a smile and a hint of a blush covering her cheeks as she's never expected a compliment from a student that she's only met. 

As Akira welcomed her to the school, she realized she hasn't properly introduced herself yet. 

"I'm Kotori Mika, 15 years old and I will do my best to be the smartest, the most beautiful and the cutest girl that you will ever see in this school!" She confidently and competitively said with sparkling eyes and a smile. 

"Nice to meet you, Mika!" Akira replied with a smile, he bows and puts his hand up to make a handshake with Mika. 

Mika didn't expect it, but she puts her hand right beside Akira's to form a handshake. 

"Nice to meet you too." Mika said with a competitive smile in her face, blushing a bit more after. 

(There's something about you... I'm sure I can figure it out soon. Is this lo- No! Don't even think about it! Akira's just a normal student... But, there indeed is more than what meets the eye... There's more to him…)

Chapter 1 – Didn't I tell you I've already moved on!? 

'It's my fault, my fault again. It's always my fault, no matter what. I'm always the one to blame.'

Heads up:

'dialogue' is Akira on narration. 

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. 

Two months have passed since the two met. 

It's the start of the first period. Everyone was assigned to answer a worksheet activity. 

"Hm… This last question is kind of hard. I can handle this though..." Said Akira, while spinning his pen.

An annoyed Mika at Akira's right side caught the words he said. Even Mika herself was struggling to answer it. She looked at him and thought;

(Why would he even need to say it? Can't he just think of it inside his potato brain? Is he expecting for someone to help him?) "What an idiot…" Mika spit out the words in her mouth.

"Did she just call me an-" Akira whispered but he couldn't finish his sentence as Mika would tease him again for repeating it.

(She would probably tease me again if I repeat it! I bet she's going to say something like deaf or idiot again.)

(Hmph, he couldn't even get to finish it. Seems like he realized… Just a little more teasing won't hurt…) Mika thought to herself with a silent chuckle.

"Does he have hearing problems, or maybe he's deaf? Or does he lack common sense? Probably both, or maybe he's mentally disabled." A teasing Mika said, loud enough to reach Akira's ears.

(Like you're any smarter than me, Mika.) Akira thought while being all nonchalant.

He starts writing solutions on a piece of scratch paper and begins solving the hard question. Mika snapped out of her thoughts as she saw him solving the question. She remembered it, still not knowing how to answer the problem. Her teasing has gotten ahead of her, realizing she should have focused on answering first.

"Luck might as well have chosen me over her nut-sized brain! She just can't get a better score than me for sure..." Akira mumbled with a teasing tone with a sudden grin on his face.

(Is he… playing with me? I need to surpass his score by at least one! Just because you're cute doesn't mean I'll let you slide, you idiot…) Mika realized that her teasings have backfired.

"But still… He's cute~…" Mika whispered to herself so that no one could hear. At least that's what she thought.

Akira smiled for a second, "Thank you…" he whispered to himself that no one can understand.

Mika had wondered why he smiled. His whispering voice had reached out to her and she kept asking herself, why did he say thank you over a simple compliment? Her face grew in such shock to understand some words, but she was also heart-warmed.

He thought, if she ever cared even a tad bit about him, even as friends, would be enough.

While Mika still struggling to answer the problem, hears a voice on her left ear.

"Seems like you're stuck with that question. Need some help? Don't worry, it won't cost you anything." He chuckled, he considered this as at least a small reward for Mika's attention and honesty to her.

Mika not expecting the immediate offer, replies.

"Do you think I'm an idiot? chuckles But, if you're offering, sure." Mika shows a shy smile.

Akira brings his desk next to Mika's to help her with the hard question. Including his chair next to Mika's, she never sat with a student this close before for a long time. 

(No one ever took the effort to teach me this well before, regarding it's only one question… There's surely something about him…)

Whispers and chatters were heard all around the classroom. Akira was the first ever to get close to the new transfer student Mika.

"Did he just…"

"No way, already?"

"Dangggg!"

"How did he…?"

After a minute or so, Mika was finally done answering the last problem. A minute worth of his explaining and teaching was worth it and helped a lot, to say the least. 

"Alright. sighs It's finally done isn't it? I'll pass this to the teacher." Akira grabs Mika's worksheet along with his own and stands up, only for a hand to halt him from walking away for a second.

"Hey… I just wanted to say thank you..." Mika said, embarrassed with a light red coving her cheeks only to look away.

"It's no big deal, I'm happy to help a fellow student." As Mika removes her hand holding Akira's wrist, he then smiles and walks away to pass the two worksheets to the teacher.

As Akira take steps towards the teacher, many whispers and glances were taken from the class. 

Some were chatting about how close Akira was to the new transfer student, how'd he get her attention and his intentions. 

Most were jealous and only a little fraction of the students didn't even care at all. 

After a couple of seconds, he finally reached the teacher's desk. He puts the two worksheets on top of the pile of the others' worksheets. 

As he comes back to his desk, the teacher speaks up and asks everyone;

"Is everyone done?"

The class replied simply; "Yes, teacher."

"Okay, I'll be checking all of your worksheets."

The clock was ticking; exactly ten more minutes until the next period. It was sufficient time for the teacher to check every single worksheet.

Meanwhile Akira staring at the periodic movement of the clock's hands; wondering what score he got on the test, even thinking if he even passed or if he taught Mika the right solution. If he was wrong, well he'd be doomed. 

All he could rely on now was fate. Will his goal of getting a higher score than Mika ever be achieved? 

As the class patiently waits, Mika fidgets with her fingers as she's bored. Including Akira, is also bored. He grabs his sketch pad from his bag and looks at the ceiling; somehow waiting for inspiration to come out of nowhere.

"I'm bored as heck… What do I do now…" Akira mumbled. 

"Maybe try to find your common sense? Maybe try to go on a journey of hunting down your missing brain. Oh wait, maybe you didn't have one in the first place." Mika said bluntly and a light chuckle escaped her lips as she supposes to tease him more. 

"Ha-ha, very funny. Like that would do anything. I already helped you with solving the last question. Is this the kind of reward you suppose I like?"

"Yeah, you can't even think straight. Because as I said, you don't have a brain to begin with."

"Well, keep saying that. You'll soon realize that'll get you nowhere."

"Teasing is what I like. It brings me joy." Mika said with a satisfied smile on her face. 

"Okay, okay… I don't mind it anyways."

"Mkay, idiot…"

(I should not have said that I don't mind whatever she says!! She could say anything to me at this point!) 

"Whatever, I'm gonna go draw. Even though I don't have an idea yet…"

Akira opens his sketch pad and opens a couple pages full of finished sketches; only 3 colored. He turns another page, now revealing a blank one. He starts with a circle, not certain what to add or do with it. Adding a couple guidelines, he plans of drawing a face. 

Mika curious of what he's going to draw, glances every once in a while, to check progress. 

"Hm… Who should I dra-..." Akira stops talking as he sees Mika. It gives him an idea of who to draw. 

He starts with the eyes. Draws the chin and nose right after, ended with the mouth. 

Mika watching him draw someone, wonders who he's drawing and why Akira glances at her most of the time. She figured out right at the moment he drew the hair. 

Mika's eyes widen in surprise as she saw how good and talented Akira was.

(H-how… is he this good…?)

The hair, pretty much spread out a little, along with the one hair strand at the top. With the clothing, he ended up sketching their usual uniform. 

His sketch was done. Taking around five minutes, he drew a successful sketch of Mika. 

Her being a bit surprised of the results of the drawing, showed a little shocked expression. But below the surface was a joyful and satisfied Mika. 

She can't help but be amused by it. 

"Wow. I can say that's pretty impressive, great job." Mika, included a small smile. 

"T-thank you…" He faced her and bowed his head a little. 

The teacher finally finished checking the worksheets, to tell the class results. Akira, terrified of what mark he got, leaves him with a shiver down his spine.

"All right, all of you did absolutely outstanding. Don't worry, everyone passed." The teacher laughs.

Akira is relieved that no one failed, still hoping that she gets a higher score than Mika. But the question is, will he? Close, but not quite.

"The top three best scorers for today's worksheet activity goes to: 

Kuromi Shin in 3rd place, with a total score of 98%

Kotori Mika in 2nd place, with a total mark of 100%" 

(Heh~, he can't beat me now huh?) Mika's arrogance taking over.

"Lastly, for 1st place …."

(There's no way I can beat Mika now… I shouldn't have helped her! I suppose it's fine. It's just one activity after all, still! Activities are a huge chunk of my grade! Grave mistake…) Akira thought to himself, losing all hope.

"Also, with a total percentage of 100% goes to…Mizuki Akira!" 

"What?! Cooool."

"Awesome."

"He rocked this time, yeah?!"

"Aren't they supposed to be both 1st place? Teacher always does that when it's a tie right? It's unfair, I should have been 2nd place!" Shin said with a disappointed look. The fact that it should've been him to be at least 2nd place was reasonable.

"Not exactly, Shin. Akira turned out to be 0.5 points higher than Mika. The system I use are decimals. But my scoring is percentage. So, Mika's score should be 99.5. Rounded, 100. In percentage, 100%..." Explained by the teacher.

Mika stood up furious saying "But teacher! Why is my score only 99.5 then?" Asked an infuriated Mika.

"On question 23, you used a shortcut, but I instructed you all to use the formula I taught you all today. Deduction on not following my instructions is 0.5 per item." 

A disappointed Mika sat down, purposely banging her two arms on her desk.

Akira did get what he desired, leaves Mika staring at him with an angry look. Mika could see the guilt in his eyes. But regarding the unfairness for others, Akira stood up suddenly, leaving Mika in a confused face.

He stood up at the front of his table and started speaking. 

"Teacher, since Mika and I got the same score, why not just put us both in first place? I mean, she at least got the answer correct, right? This way, three problems can be solved. One, Kuromi can be at 2nd place. Two, Mika and I got equivalent scores; therefore, putting us both in 1st place will benefit us both leading to mutualism. Lastly, the best score behind Shin's mark could be put in 3rd place."

Akira got the teacher thinking if it were to be put that way. 

"Well, since you and Mika got the same percentage, I might as well do that. Also, that would be fair for everyone, right?" The teacher said, considering that it's no big deal. 

"For 3rd place with a score of 97%… goes to Kanata Akari!"

"Thanks, I guess… 3rd place is good enough…" Said Akari. 

Akira smiled at Akari looking at her shining blue eyes. 

"For 2nd place with a mark of 98%… goes to Kuromi Shin!"

"If it wasn't for Akira… Well, I suppose that's fine…"

"Lastly, for 1st placers… go to Mizuki Akira and Kotori Mika with marks of 100%!"

Akira felt relieved because everything got fixed. Meanwhile, a lightly hot-headed Shin approached Akira from two seats away at the front and three seats to the right.

Shin grabbed his wrist tightly and gives him a death stare.

"Are you doing this for everyone or are you trying to get Akari back from me? You made this to get her to be 3rd place, huh?" 

"Are you serious? I barely even talk to her anymore. Just because she's my childhood friend doesn't mean that I still like her. Besides, I already moved on. I'm happy for you guys, so stop saying that I have feelings for her." Akira said and removed his wrist from Shin's hand. 

"Hmph. You really think I'd trust you?"

"I didn't, but all I gotta say is that I did this for everyone. Especially for Mika…" 

Mika surprised by what he said, also felt her heart flutter and slightly guilty. 

Shin walks away and sits back at his chair. Akira goes back at his desk and sits on his chair. His hand in the form of a fist lying at the table, while looking down. 

"Hey, what was that all about?"

"Come on, Akari. He's trying to get you away from me. Of course, I had to do that."

"He just said he didn't have feelings for me! Are you stupid?"

"Whose side are you even on?"

"He's my childhood friend, of course he's close to me!? And, I'm not on his side…"

"Can you just shut up!?"

Shin was already angry enough he could push and break his table by any second. He was trying to keep his anger inside him. Akari kept her silence to stop Shin getting even more infuriated. 

The next period begins. 

Meanwhile, at Mika's desk, leaves her glancing at Akira most of the time. 

(Why does he think I like Akari… She's just my childhood friend, and I've already moved on…) 

Akira breathes heavily, still not knowing what to do. Then a voice came by his right ear. 

"Hey, you okay there?" Mika asked with a soft voice. 

"I'm fine…"

"You don't look like it…"

"I swear, it's all fine… I just need some water, that's all."

Akira grabbed the tumbler out of his bag, he opens it and then opens his mouth. Only to find that the water bottle was empty. He shook it multiple times, not a single drop fell. 

"I forgot to refill it at home…"

"Someone as smart as you still forgets to fill his water bottle up?"

"I didn't get a good night's sleep… I don't even wanna talk about it…" He rests his head on the table. He suddenly feels a light force by his shoulder. His eyes meeting a pink tumbler being held by Mika, whilst looking away. 

"J-just take it...! Don't drink too much!" Mika said, in an embarrassed tone while a hint of blush covers her cheek. 

Akira looks at Mika's face, he gently takes the tumbler. 

"Thanks." Akira smiles at her. 

He shyly drinks, since the tumbler isn't his. He finishes, drinking a sufficient amount of water. 

"Here, thanks again."

"It's no big deal…" She looks away again and blushes. 

The next period had already started. Nothing really new or special happened. Well, something new will happen right after. 

The bell rang, leading to lunch break, the students went to the cafeteria. 

Akira brought his lunch out of his bag, walked outside the classroom and headed to the cafeteria. 

While walking, Shin approached again and strangled his collar upwards. 

"You think I'm done with you?" 

"Hey, I didn't even talk to Akari the whole time!"

"Shut up! The way you helped her and smiled at her was suspicious."

"Is it not okay to help my friend? She's my childhood friend and I've known her for a long time. What's your probl-"

Before Akira could even finish his sentence, Shin gave him a punch to the face. Akira fell to the ground, leaving his back and left cheek hurt. 

"Ouch! What'd I do to you?" He quickly got up and gave Shin a straight jab, again; to the face. 

Shin then pinned Akira to the floor and hit him with punches multiple times. Some blood coming out of Akira's nose and mouth didn't stop Shin, the cold-blooded, merciless student of the campus. 

Akira fights back, as he tightly grabs his neck and chokes him. Leaving them rolling all over. 

Yet, the brutal Shin couldn't stop. 

'Is death finally coming to take me…  It can't be stopped.'

Flashes kept going, as if it was heaven yet they weren't white flashes of heaven. They were flashes of… his perspective while he was in a car? 

Krug, krug, krug, were the sounds made while pebbles had encountered the car wheels. 

It got worse, the sounds were getting louder, and louder. The brakes had made no effect, they weren't working at all. 

"I can't stop the brakes, I can't!"

"W-what do you mean…?"

"Put on your seatbelt, q-quick!!!-"

Akira put his seatbelt on and his eyes were shut before the car had rushed and sadly, crashed… 

Bang!!! Fwoosh! A tree had met the front of the car, the front glass' brittleness had taken effect. 

"Akira…!" A faint voice of a young woman was perceived by Akira's ears. 

'D-death… Is that you…?'

"Hey! Stop fighting!!!" Mika shouted, leading to a sudden silence in the close vicinity.

"Mika, don't get any closer! He might hurt you too…" Akira said with coughs and chokes. 

She still didn't listen to Akira and got in the middle of them and she extended her arms out to keep them away over a distance. 

"Will you stop!?"

"How can I stop if he punched me and he's stealing my girlfriend!? If you were in my situation, you would do the same thing too!"

"Didn't he already say he doesn't have feelings for her? And even though 

 that close to her, it's normal. They're childhood friends, what do you expect!?"

"That still won't stop me from hurting him!"

Shin proceeds to push Mika and pin Akira against the wall to punch him more and more. 

"Stop!!" 

The principal, seeing the scene, teaches them a lesson. 

"What's going on here? Why are you three fighting?"

"Sir, no! I'm not part of this! I just tried to stop them from fighting!"

"If they were fighting, why'd you interrupt instead of telling me?"

Mika couldn't admit that she cared for Akira, as it might just lead things to different ways. 

Another reason that she was speechless was that Akira would have already perished before she could even get to the principal to tell him. 

"I-I…"

"Sir, don't blame her. She's not part of this. She just tried to stop us. I promise, that's all it is." Akira panted almost every single second, took in the aroma of the food near the cafeteria, and took deep breaths to relax. . 

"Even so, you three are going to detention."

"It's your fault, Akira. If you didn't try to steal her, I wouldn't have done this." 

"And, no lunch for today. Have fun saving your hunger."

The principal took all their lunches and the three all walked to the detention room. 

Shin, Akira, and Mika sat next to each other; Shin on Akira's left side, and Mika on his right side. Meaning he would be at the middle. 

"Thank you, Akira. You got me involved in your scene that includes Shin and a big piece of crap; which is you." Mika said sarcastically, mad at Akira; blaming him for getting her involved. 

"Didn't I tell you to stay back? Why didn't you???"

"You think I'll just leave you like that? Getting beat up by that merciless, brutal idiot!?"

"Hey! Only the "merciless, brutal" part was accurate!!!"

"Shut up, will you…" 

"You shut up, Akira! I wouldn't have beaten you up if you didn't have feelings for her."

"We're at detention, do you seriously want to cause more chaos and get suspended!?"

"Sorry, Mika… It's all my fault. It's always my fault. Nothing ever changed in my stupid, hellhole life!" Akira bangs the table by his hands, showing how guilty and mad he is right now. 

"You think that would let me forgive you? Do you seriously think that your drama and long crap speech will fix everything? And yes, it's all your fault!!!"

Akira tried to hold his pain after all that drama, he breathed heavily. His punches were a bit swollen, blood drops rushing from his mouth and nose. 

Mika, furious at Akira, still cared and showed some concern to him. She looked at Akira's bruises, not fatal but swollen. 

"I'm truly sorry…" One single tear fell from Akira's eye all the way to his chin. 

"H-hey… I'm sorry for what I did earlier, I promise I didn't mean it." Mika felt guilty for she had blamed all of it to him. 

"It's okay. It was all my fault anyways…"

"No! It's not okay! He punched you over and over to make you bleed like this!"

"If he wasn't trying to hit on my girlfriend then I wouldn't have-"

Mika gives Shin a hard slap on the face to teach him a lesson. 

"Just because you're a girl doesn't mean I can't hit you too!"

Akira grabbed Shin's wrist to prevent Mika from getting slapped and harmed. 

"Hey, let go of my hand!"

"Don't you hurt her. I don't care if we get suspended. But I won't let anyone get hurt again." 

"Fine. I'll stop." 

Akira let go of his wrist as Shin promised to stop. 

"All we can do now is wait for an hour…" Mika said while trying to calm herself down.

Shin kept pouting and being quiet, whilst Akira tried to bear all the pain off.

Once again, his eyes were all blurry; turns out he teared up more than just one drop. He was crying silently, not wanting anyone else to hear or see him cry.

He wiped his tears up and replied; "I-I'm fine… I j-just remembered something." Akira said while his voice was shaky, along with stutters.

"You don't look like it."

"I swear I'm fine, okay?"

"Fine then…" 

Chapter 2 – Isn't teamwork always the key?

An hour had already passed. Detention time was over, and they skipped lunch break. 

It was history class. The three had gone back to their respective classes from detention. They were all walking in a hallway next to each other. 

Shin touched the back of his neck because Akira had choked him earlier, Akira's bruises slightly swollen; his hands in his pockets looking down, and Mika still angry from earlier; looked away not staring at both of them. 

All of them arriving inside the classroom, also made them get the most attention. Not to mention; they were also 35 minutes late. They all went back to their own seats.

"Seems like you three have been late, very late. Buckle up, get your workbooks to page 112."

"My favorite period! Alright." Akira said with a smile.

He grabbed his bag and opened it, grabbed his history notebook. He checked every corner of the bag, only to realize that he forgot his history workbook.

"Oh… I forgot it again. It's fine I guess. I advance read last night!" Akira said in an embarrassing tone.

"Answer question 1-25 in page 112 to page 113. Write the answers in your history notebook, and answers only. No need to copy the questions too."

"I thought we were gonna discuss a lesson for today… M-Mika…?" Akira asked, embarrassed. 

"What? Do you need my workbook?" Mika returned with another question. She looked at him with an angry stare. 

"Well… Yeah I do."

"Then no." Mika said with a smile, sarcastically. 

"E-eh…? Well, okay then." Akira with a disappointed look, grabbed his pen, spinning it and did nothing for a couple minutes. 

Mika sat there, answering all the questions like a piece of cake. She was rushing every question in a matter of seconds. Smiling sarcastically. 

(She's so… fast!!! She's basically speedrunning this as if it was a game! I need that workbook so bad…) 

"So easy…" Mika said teasingly. 

Akira sighed as he had no more hope. Mika was done answering 25 questions in only two minutes, it was easy for her since he specialized in history. 

"Hey." Mika said in an cold voice. 

"What…?"

"Since you helped me earlier in solving that hard question in the first period, I suppose I can let you borrow the workbook." 

Mika holds the workbook and hands it to Akira. 

"Really?"

"Seems like you don't want it." Mika takes and puts the book back. 

Akira held the book back, stopping her from taking it away. 

"No, no, no, no, no, no. I do need it…"

Mika chuckles and lent him the book. 

"Okay… You only have three minutes!"

"Bet. I can do this in under a minute."

"'Kay then."

Akira rushed the questions, confident in answering them correctly. And he did keep his bet, he finished it in under a minute. Not to mention; 36 seconds was a very short period of time. The good thing was it was only multiple choice. But the real question is, who will get a higher score? 

"Thanks for letting me borrow, Mika… Here it is."

Akira swiftly handed her the workbook back. 

"Impressive. But speed doesn't mean you're smarter than me. You might get a lower score than me y'know?"

"Well, I don't really mind getting a higher score than you right now. All I care about is passing and getting a high score; regardless if it's higher or lower than yours."

"I see. Well, I guess if that's what you want. An idiot like you can't aim high anyway."

"Hey! I'm not an idiot!"

"Sure, you aren't."

"Hmph, at least I'm faster…"

"At least I'm smarter."

"I'm taller."

"I'm more beautiful!"

"I'm more handsome!"

"At least I don't forget to bring my books!"

"...You really had to bring that in…"

"Yeah~"

"At least I'm kind…"

"Hey, I'm kind too!"

"I know, I'm just kinder."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"Hmph, fine. You win, I'll let you end it this way, but don't expect that I won't get revenge on you."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it."

They all settled and Mika had accepted defeat. They were the only ones who had finished the work, meanwhile others are struggling to answer each question. 

Whispers were ambulance sounds rushing through everyone's ears, travelling the whole classroom as if it was a whole road intersection right before their eyes. 

"They're done already!?"

"Impossible! I bet they copied each other's answers."

"I understand that they're smart, but that fast? I don't believe it!"

"Hmph, it's unfair that they finished that fast."

"If Akira didn't get help from Mika, he would've been doomed for the rest of this class."

"No way, they're copying each other? What do the others mean by that…? Two smart brains can't possibly do that, right…?"

"Imagine copying each other's answers, they think we won't notice? If this had to do something with Math, the solutions would show proof, but guess what. It isn't Math isn't it?"

"Come on, maybe they didn't actually share answers you know? Besides, Akira's good by just History itself."

The two brains hearing all of the chatter and gossip, were secretly feeling furious were just covered by nonchalance and coldness all over the surface. They made it seem that they didn't care at all. 

"13 minutes left, class."

Others were relieved that there was still a decent amount of time to spare. 

Meanwhile the two swift brains were doing nothing at all, one had an idea. 

"I'm just going to play on my phone… I'm so bored."

"Isn't that abide by the rules and not allowed during class time?"

"Yeah, but if no one notices…"

"Stop. You know Akira, you're only getting into more risks and danger."

"That's exactly what I long for in life, risks and danger. Adventures make it better; fun only lasts a while. So, I try to have fun while I live."

"It's not like you're going to die anytime soon right?"

"Well, not guaranteed. But this isn't an Isekai where the truck hits me and kills me. This is a rom-com. Right guys?"

"What are you looking at? There's literally nothing there!"

"It's the camera, idiot."

"What camera???"

"Meh, you won't understand."

"Just… don't take any more risks. You know your phone could get confiscated."

"Well, I suppose I can listen to you this time. Unlike what you did earlier when I warned you…"

"Hey! Is it wrong to stop someone from fighting?"

"First of all, you're not strong. Second, you can't fight us. And lastly, the writer decides our fate."

"What writer!?"

"Don't mind it. Just stay away from fights, you'll only end up getting hurt."

"Fine… Stopping you from fighting isn't gonna benefit me in any way though."

"Exactly. Only if fanservice shots are taken, that's one benefit."

"What the actual fu-"

Akira quickly covers her mouth to stop her from cursing. 

"Hey don't do that here. It's not family-friendly. Everybody's watching. But only one or a few more kiss scenes would be fine. As long as it's just some, not throughout the whole story. Right, writer?"

"What do you mean!? And where are you looking at!?"

"Don't mind it! I'm the only one who breaks the fourth wall…"

"What!?"

"Don't mind it! It's nothing serious."

"You're probably daydreaming or hallucinating. Maybe you need to get checked."

"Come on."

Akira notices that a few are done answering all the 25 questions. 

"Looks like everybody's done." Akira said with a lightly surprised expression. 

"Yep. Should we pass these?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

"What do you mean by…'let's'?"

"Let's pass it to the teacher."

"Us? We? Nope, only you. It's your obligation to do so. Pass our notebooks. Only you, not me."

"Transfer student feeling entitled much? It's my pleasure, stupid."

"Don't call me that! Fine, I'll pass my own notebook. You can't even get a joke."

(I shouldn't have done that! It was also only a joke!)

"Hey! It was just a joke… Don't take it too seriously!"

"Hmph, idiot can't take a joke."

"Is this k-k-karma?"

"Sure is." Mika said whilst taking steps away from him; towards the teacher. 

"H-hey! I-I'm sorry!" 

Mika didn't react to it and didn't mind it, and continued walking away towards the teacher. 

(Dang it… Only if I didn't say that…) 

Mika had done passing her notebook. She took steps back to her seat; not replying or even reacting to Akira. 

"Hey… I'm sorry. It was just a joke."

Mika looked away and Akira was air, not getting noticed. 

"I'm truly sorry… Please."

Mika still didn't mind him, but behind her eyes was a mix of joy and a hint of forgiveness. 

Akira sighed and said "Listen, I'm very sorry for what I said… I swear I'll do anything to make you feel better."

"Anything…?" Mika said with a mischievous grin covering her face. 

"Oh um… Yeah, a-anything…"

'Why is the author doing this to me… Author, not too early!!!' 

"Fine, only if you promise to help me on the next period."

"I promise."

"Alright then, deal settled."

After a while, the students had finally done answering all of the questions, all of them passed their notebooks; along with Akira. 

The next period was Math class, a big project had been set up. 

"So, you need help in Math I suppose?"

"Yep, well you need to help me with all the questions I don't have answers on."

"A-all…?"

"Didn't you promise to help me on this class?"

"I did but…"

"Nope, no buts. Deal or no deal?"

"Fine…"

Physics class had started, the Physics teacher had a big project to assign all of them up. 

"Alright class, since this is going to be a big contest, which affects 50% of your entire grade, so make sure to not mess this up. So, I will be assigning two people to pair up. The contest will be starting next week so keep in mind."

The whole class was shocked, to think it would only be pairs and not a whole group was already a big problem. 

"P-pairs…"

"How am I gonna help you with this, Mika?"

"It's only luck who can pair us! You have to be my pair, because if not. You didn't help me, meaning you broke the promise."

"O-oh…"

(No! I need her to be my pair of else she's gonna hate me and think of me as air forever! It's all up to teacher…) 

"Let's pair Mika up with…"

(Please!!!) 

"Akira!"

(Yes!!!) 

"Mika, I promise I'll help you with this." Akira said, confident. 

"Are you sure? You might just betray me after this."

"Never! Isn't teamwork always the key?"

Akira put his pinky up, making a good ol' pinky promise. 

Mika hesitant, makes a pinky promise with him. 

"Alright fine. Let's make the best team, shall we?"

"Hell yeah!"

Chapter 3 - The Typical Kind of Sister Material

The school day had finished after a couple of hours. The sun was setting, leaving the sky to dim and leave the moon in-charge. 

As for Akira, he would be alone as usual. Only for a few hours though. 

He pulled out his key to the door facing him. Walking to his apartment left a dim room; the rough carpet in front of him. He grabbed his shoe and pulled it away from his feet, leaving it on the red carpet. 

He turned on the lights and looked around. 

"Hmm, not here yet eh?"

He walked to his room and pushed the door behind him. He changed his pants and uniform into a simple t-shirt and short. 

"I'm so hungry… I'm just going to eat some ramen. I hope there's still some packed."

He was too lazy to cook dinner. That's why he only wanted to cook ramen since it was easier. 

He went through the drawers in the kitchen; only leaving two packets of ramen left. 

"Yes! There's only two more ramen left. One won't be enough for me. So hungry…"

Akira turned the stove on, he cooked the ramen and after it was cooked, he put the ingredients on then mixed them. 

"Alright!!! Time to eat!"

Good news and bad news. The good news is, he ate something for dinner. Bad news, his stomach hurts. 

"I'm just gonna sleep it out… I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm so tired…"

He went back to his bedroom and closed the lights. Akira fell asleep after a few minutes.

The sun rose up to the skies. Meaning, it was morning. 

Akira opened his eyes; he felt a light force in his chest. It was as if someone was hugging him close. Yet, it turned out to be an… arm? 

He sat up faced behind his left side, only to find out is was his older sister, Mizuki Aimi.

Mizuki Aimi has dark hair, she has the same height as Akira. She has a slender figure, including brown colored eyes. You would think of her as Mika's twin yet Aimi would be cuter and more adorable. Of course, she would have one hair strand standing out above her hair. 

"Good morning, onee-chan…"

"Morning, Akira! Did you sleep well?" Aimi said with a smile. 

(I forgot… My stomach still hurts from yesterday!!!)

"Yep, I slept well!" Akira said, embarrassed if he was to tell the truth."

Aimi sat up, rubbed her eyes too. 

"Is that so? That's great!" She said while stretching her arms out. 

"Yeah…"

"Sorry if I didn't ask yesterday but, how was school?"

She couldn't come home with Akira since Aimi had longer classes than him, since Aimi is a year older than him. A year and three months to be precise. 

"Mhm."

"Did you do good in other subjects?"

"Yep, all high scores!"

"That's great! I knew you could do it!"

"Like you could do any better…" Akira whispered sarcastically. 

"What did you say?"

"N-nothing! A-anyways, how was your day yesterday?"

"It was good, I had fun since I beat my other classmates."

"Really? Nice!" Akira was surprised. 

"Yep. So, let's eat breakfast. I'll cook our ramen."

Aimi walked out the room, smiling back at Akira. 

"Okay! Wait…" Akira gasped as he remembered something very important, that he forgot. 

(I ate her ramen last night… That was for today's breakfast!!!) 

"Akira…? Did you…" Aimi asked with an angry grin. 

"Oh no… I'm dead. "

"You're not going to die, you'll just suffer."

"Wait, what-"

Aimi grabbed Akira's pajama collar upwards, Akira himself knowing that he's doomed. 

"You ate my ramen instead of cooking your own food last night!!!"

"I'm sorry!!!"

"Hmph!" Aimi folded her arms and a sign of annoyance escaped her lips. 

"Sorry…" He looked down at the floor and scratched the back of his head. 

"It's fine… I'm okay with your ramen flavor, just don't eat mine next time! "

"I promise!!! I-I'll cook this time!"

"Good. That'll be enough to pay me back." Aimi said with a satisfied smile. 

Akira gave a relieved sigh as he faced down and closed his eyes. 

"Thank God…"

"What are you doing? Aren't you gonna cook?"

"I-I am! Sorry…"

"It's okay, I'm sorry I got angry earlier too."

Aimi walked over to Akira and hugged him. Akira's eyes widened in surprise by the sudden hug, yet he closed his eyes and savored the moment. 

"I love you, Akira." Aimi smiled while Akira's head rested on her shoulder. 

Akira was surprised by the first three words as he never expected it. 

"I'll always protect you and love you as your older sister, okay?"

They hadn't really done such an affectionate gesture in a while. Akira was surprised as this was a pretty rare occurrence. 

They would usually just make fun of each other, but he didn't care. His head stayed at her shoulder; with a smile on his face. 

"Sorry too, onee-chan…"

"It's all fine. Now, go cook. I'll go help you, don't worry!"

"Really?"

"sigh Yeah, yeah. I'll make up for it." Aimi said with a considerate tone. 

"Thanks, sorry again." Akira smiled. 

He got closer to her and swiftly kissed her on the cheek. Aimi's eyes widened and all she could let out was a silent squeal, uncertain of what's happening. But, right before her eyes was Akira's lip on her cheek. 

Akira pulled away after a while, he smiled at her for a couple of seconds as he walked away to the kitchen. 

Aimi was left there, she stood still for quite a while. She touched her right cheek of where he kissed her. 

"Akira…" She whispered to herself. Aimi looked down and smiled, her face flushed slightly too. 

Meanwhile at the kitchen; Akira goes by to the stove and turns it on. He opens two ramen packets and puts both of it in one pan. 

He gets a fork to stir it and soften it. Aimi walked to the kitchen to help Akira cook and prepare the ramen. 

"I'll put on the add-ons after you cook, okay?"

"Alright. Thanks!"

"No problem!"

Aimi teared open the add-ons and put it on the ramen. Meanwhile, Akira cooks the last ramen; which is for Aimi. 

Akira was finally done cooking the last ramen packet. 

"Alright."

"Is it cooked already, Akira?"

"Yep onee-chan, all cooked!"

"Yeepee! I'll add the add-ons!"

"Alright."

Aimi puts the add-ons. She tears apart the top part of the add-on packet and applies it to the freshly, cooked ramen. 

She then mixes the add-ons with the ramen using chopsticks. 

"Hey Akira, why aren't you eating yet?"

"I'm waiting for you."

"What for? Why do you need to?" Aimi asked with a confused look. 

"So we can eat together!" Akira showed a delightful smile. 

Aimi was lightly surprised of what he said, yet she was also heart-warmed. 

"Awww, thank you." She smiled at him with her face slightly reddened and flushed. 

"No problem, let's go pray."

"Alright, let's pray."

Aimi and Akira silently pray. As they were done, they were ready to eat.

"Let's eat!" Said a hungry Akira. 

They were ready to dig in. They ate quietly yet swiftly as they enjoyed their food. 

A few minutes after, Aimi went to get her towel to take a bath. Meanwhile, Akira was preparing both of their school uniforms. 

Aimi was singing a certain song in the bathroom, just like she always does. Akira let out a slight chuckle whilst preparing their school uniforms and lunches. 

"Hey, Akira! Can you hand me my school unform for a second?" A muffled voice was heard inside the bathroom. 

"E-eh…? I'll get it quickly!"

Aimi peeked outside the door and stretched her arms out to get the school uniform. 

"Thanks."

"Be quick, okay?"

"I will, don't worry."

"Alright." Akira walks away right after, with a slight smile. 

Aimi had already finished putting on her clothes. She went out of the bathroom with her towel resting on her scalp. 

"Hey, you done taking a bath?"

"Yep, you can go to the bathroom now."

"Wait a sec."

Akira rushed and went closer to Aimi and grabbed the towel.

"Let me do it for you." Akira said with a smile. 

He rubbed the towel gently on her hair to dry it off. 

"O-oh… Thanks…" Aimi said a little embarrassed, yet heart-warmed once again, smiling while her face was flushed lightly. 

"Alright. That's good." 

"Thanks…"

"No problem!" Akira smiled with a hint of blush in his face. 

Aimi couldn't help but hug him. She was delighted by having Akira as her brother. Aimi wouldn't have asked for more. 

Akira put his arms on her back to return the hug. 

After a while, Akira had been already done bathing and dressing up. 

"Shall we go now?"

"Yup. Now's a good time, at least we'd be early." Aimi said, as always; early and prepared. 

"Yeah, you're right."

As they arrived at the school after a pretty long walk, they went inside and parted to their neighbouring classrooms. 

They stopped outside their classrooms to say farewell. 

"See ya onee-chan! Good luck!"

Aimi hugged Akira suddenly to make a rather affectionate gesture. Akira's eyes widened in surprise, mentioninf the unexpected hug. 

"Do good at school, okay? And, thank you… for being the best brother I ever dreamed of." Aimi put a delightful smile while her head rests on Akira's shoulder. 

"T-thanks…" Akira's face reddened a little. 

Aimi's classroom was just next door. The door was already open for Akira to go to. Thought there was only flaw for the door being left open. 

After a while, the hug had ended. 

"Take care, okay?"

"Thanks, you too sis!"

They finally part ways to their different neighbouring classrooms. 

Akira had already went back to his seat. Only to leave a rather, annoyed Mika. 

Turns out, Mika had saw the hug that has earlier occured, yet no voice traveled to her ears as they were to far away to hear, and she didn't know they were siblings… 

Mika thought they weren't siblings for she never knew Aimi at all. It's impossible for her thoughts to be right, would it? 

(Are they just friends, they do look like friends…If they are, then that hug shouldn't be normal, r-right…?) 

"Ah, puppy love eh?"

"W-what do you mean by that?" Akira said with a shy smile. 

"Nothing, just saying." Mika said whilst looking away at him with a cold expression, as if it was below absolute zero. 

(Her face is way colder than usual, don't tell me she's jealous?) 

(Hmph, cheater. Such a playboy… Maybe they're just close to each other, they might be childhood friends I suppose?) 

"Okay then…" Akira said with a confused look. 

"You're still cute though~…" Mika whispered while resting her chin on her palm, looking away; smiling with a flushed face included. 

Akira acted as if it was nothing and didn't hear the words at all; left a satisfied Mika, relieved her heart. 

But the truth was, he actually heard it. Akira couldn't have held his blush back. He couldn't help but smile a bit. He tried to hide it by looking away, as he faced the window.

"Ahh, he doesn't know…" Mika murmured to herself, whilst satisfaction had consumed her. 

Akira, once again pretends to not hear what she said earlier, he'd be trying to act all dumb and stupid about the situation. 

It was as if he had a mask to hide his true feelings and emotions; which he successfully pulled off. He couldn't hold playing her and seeing her reaction for at least a bit. 

"What do you mean? What don't I know?" Akira attempted to get her reaction. 

"Mmm… Nothing. You're just dumb and stuff, that's all." Mika with a playful yet cheeky tone. 

"You know your teases aren't going to work on me."

"Hmm, maybe one day they might, you never know."

"Well, I assume and assure that will never happen."

"Still doesn't keep you from knowing what I know."

"Oh yeah? 'You're still cute though~'" Akira repeated what she had said in a supposedly sarcastic tone, teasing Mika of what she said earlier; which she thought he didn't hear. 

Mika widened her eyes in bewilderment as she never thought he could have heard what she said earlier, not to mention the chatter spreading across the whole classroom filled everyone's ears. 

"Whaaaaaa~!!! How did you know- I-I never said that!?"

"First of all, you have stated of how I have known what you have said earlier which proves that you did indeed say it. Lastly, I have ears."

"I-It was just a tease!!! Don't take it too seriously…!" 

"Yeah, fine… At least I'm cute~"

"Heyyy!!!"

Mika was infuriated, yet her blush was distinguishable on her face. 

Little did Akira know, a steady, firm palm was ready to hit him, at the face too. 

At this point, history was made. Well, at least for the class'. 

'Kapoooosh!' Her hand caused an impact exactly right at Akira's left cheek and made Akira lose his balance and slump directly to the floor. 

This moment could have almost killed him, if the head hit the floor first. The good news is, his head is safe, and his chest hit the floor first. But who knew if his nose was? 

'Bam!!!' The plummet caught everyone's attention, even the teacher. 

"What's going on here?"

"Nothing, teacher! Just, clumsy, stupid Akira playing with his chair…!" Mika covered her embarrassment with a shy smile. 

"I see… Akira, focus will ya?"

"U-understood!!!" Akira said with a stutter, giving Mika a pout after the teacher looked away, maybe a red face too…?

After all those messed up events, the cafeteria was crowded as the bell rang. 

Step after step, after step, after step. 

Akira with his class including the class next door had arrived at the cafeteria. 

'Sorry guys, we skipped second period. We need to get Aimi back since this chapter is mostly about the "sister material" stuff. Don't blame me though, blame the author.'

Akira, left with with an injured nose and cheek; put band-aids to keep it protected. 

He was walking with Mika to their destination; the cafeteria. 

"Hey, about earlier…" An embarrassed Mika remarked. 

"Y-yeah…?"

"Sorry for what I did earlier…"

"I-It's fine, really…"

"What else hurts?" Mika stared directly at his eyes, with her having a guilty and concerned look. 

She took a step forward and attempted to touch his cheek as a sign of affection yet Akira took a step backward. 

"N-no!!! Nothing else hurts, no need…" He scratched the back of his head. 

"Oh… O-okay then…" Stated Mika, still remorseful of her earlier actions. 

At few steps later, they arrived at the cafeteria. 

The tables were pretty spaced out, an interval three meters of each separate table. It was based on a hexagonal-shaped surface, in the material of light-brown oak wood. 

Then there was his friend, Kazaku. (His friend from the Prologue)

"Hey Akira! Come sit here." Kazaku applied a pat on the chair next at his right; for it's where he wants Akira to sit. 

Akira walked towards the table and sat down. 

"Hey, what's up?"

"Just like everyday. But a 'lil different…"

"What do you mean-... Oh, the band-aids on your face… Let me guess, you got punched and hit the window?" Kazaku responded with a confident smug. 

"No, idiot…"

"I guess a punch is too harsh… A push then you fell down?"

"You think I'd be that fragile to fall down by a push?"

"Hmm… You got slapped and fell down. Then the floor hit your chest first since the dirt on your uniform is quite distinguishable… If your head hit first, that would cause death… So chest hit first would be more believable. Then your nose got hit?" Kazaku put his thumb and index fingers to his chin, analyzing his situation based on his observations. 

"S-such a great explanation and inference that no one needed… Yet, you got that right."

"Tell me, what is a girl?" Kazaku whispered silently to his ears with a sarcastic tone. 

"Shut up. Akira replied with a chuckle and a slight shove with his shoulder hitting Kazaku's arm. 

"But, I got it correct, right?" He laughed with his successful guess was proved right. 

"Yeah, yeah. It's you now." 

"Hmm… Was it Akari? Trying to get her, eh?"

"Idiot, that's such a thing I can't do."

"Aimi?"

"Hell no."

"Don't tell me… are you saying…?"

"The light-brown haired cold woman sitting next to me? Well, you guessed it."

"I guessed it right again! But, why was it Mika!?"

"Shush!" Akira quickly blocked Kazaku's mouth with his hand. 

"Yeah, yeah… But, what did you do to make her slap you?"

"Well, a little teasing should be the answer to your question. She teases me all the time yet even I don't get that mad to slap someone."

"What'd she say that made you tease her?"

"E-eh…"

"Come one, spill the beans."

"I-It's better if I don't tell you…"

"Come on, tell me!" Kazaku shaked Akira's arm, forcing him to tell what Mika had said earlier. 

"F-f-fi-fine! sigh She whispered to herself that I'm cute… Yet she thought I couldn't hear…"

"Eyyy, looks like someone has a crush on you!"

"Sh-shut up! She was just teasing me, no matter if I heard it or not…"

"Yeah, yeah. Keep hiding it."

"I'm serious, she even said it herself."

"Fine…"

Mika wanted to sit at the girls' table where she always used to sit with them. But this time, her seat was occupied, knowing no reason why at all. 

She looked everywhere for vacant seats, and the first one she found was next to Akira's. 

(S-seriously? Why next to him…) 

She looked everywhere for vacant seats; some in which the ones next to it are either the ones she aren't close with, boys that are arrogant aren't her type, or the girls that yap all the time which she hates. 

Her only choice and her closest friend next to an empty seat would be Akira. 

As Akira reached out, he swiftly caught Mika, taking her by surprise and causing her to lock eyes with him. It caught her off guard as their eyes met in a locked gaze.

Mika's eyes intertwined with Akira's, as if sitting next to Akira would be her final and only hope. Her shining and sparkling crimson eyes stayed sealed with his.

Her red, scarlet-shaded colored eyes had the same color as her cheek looked like; a red, flushed appearance was what she gave out. 

Mika confidently walked upon a bright, straight road, as if it felt like where the right place would be. 

She walked wonderfully relentless, stepping across floor tiles, confidently turning the decision to sit next to him. 

"May I sit here?"

"U-uh… S-sure…!"

"Thank you." Mika joyfully and amusedly smiled, as she shut her eyes, gleefully smiling as her face flushed, but even her can't prevent it from appearing. 

Akira widened her eyes; he was not certain of what he should have done. He couldn't help but admire her adorable and beautiful impression. 

"Y-you're welcome…" 

Mika put out a hand, in a gesture of a handshake, it looked like. Akira gently put his hand next to hers, he held her hand and left to space between the middle. They handshaked as their hands remained closed, locked and sealed for a couple seconds. 

"So, let's eat?"

"Y-yeah, sure let's eat…"

Who knew whoever was in the background? That would be Kazaku. 

"P-pleasure to m-m-meet you, Princess!"

"..."

"..."

Silence had covered their table and the nearby vicinity for a short period of time. 

'Who knew one word could make someone's day a life or death situation?'

"D-don't call me that once again…"

"I-I'm sorry…"

A sigh of annoyance kicked in. Overdosage of forgiveness tried to get through her. 

"It's fine, I suppose." Mika came back to her adorable facial expression, but it was colder by at least greater than 10%.

The moment of silence had finished. 

"Akira!"

A nearby voice had been heard from a not too close, not too far distance. It was familiar, Akira reached out everywhere, only to have found a waving Aimi. 

Aimi rushed towards the table and talked to Akira. 

"Sorry if I barely come here, it turns out that our lesson was done early!"

"Oh great!"

Aimi looked to her side and spotted a glimpse of a rather familiar face. She hadn't seen her before but words that describe her had her thinking; was it her? 

"Oh, good morning! Are you Kotori Mika?"

"Y-yes. And who might you be?"

"I'm Aimi! Akira told me a lot about you!"

(Whaaaaaaa~!!! You yap too much!!!) 

"Oh… Is that so…"

(Wuuuuohhhhhhhh!!? Aimi, stop right now!) 

Aimi aggressively shook hands with Mika yet in a playful way. 

It had only been the first time they had met in person so it was such a pleasure to meet the most admired girl in the school. 

"So, what brings you here?" Curiosity filled Aimi's mind. 

"I just wanted to eat with you all."

(I only wanted to eat with Akira specifically…) Mika thought to herself. 

"Oh, you and Akira really are close friends! So, Mika, do you like Akira? Is he your type? Does he meet your standards?-"

(STOP!!!) 

Akira interfered with the conversation to end this awkward moment. He swiftly covered Aimi's mouth and successfully eliminated the embarrassment in this situation. 

"So, shall we eat?"

"S-sure…"

The four got their lunches; and they were ready to eat. 

Mika noticed the two both had the same lunches. 

"Oh, you two have great taste."

"Yeah! Eggs and noodles may be simple, yet delicious! It's tasty because Akira made it too." Aimi spoke. 

"Oh, that's nice!"

"Yep, thanks. You know, before I slept with Akira last night-"

COUGH! COUGH! COUGH! 

Akira choked and coughed when she mentioned they slept together. 

(Do you really need to detail our everyday life!?) 

"He ate my ramen instead of his! He smelled so bad, pff…" Aimi crossed her arms while the others were not content at all. 

After a couple minutes, all of them had been done eating; but Aimi's yapping had not finished yet. 

"So, shall we eat?" Aimi said delightfully.

As she looked at all of their lunches, the containers were all empty.

"Oh, y'all are already done. It's fine, I guess."  

Even though the others had already been done eating, they did not enjoy it at all. Who couldn't feel more embarrassed than Mika? The best answer would be Akira.

After a couple hours, the bell had rung to signal the students to go pack their backpacks and go home. 

Akira was walking down the stairs to the first floor, while Mika was chasing him whilst costing her tons of panting. 

"Hey, how should we prepare for the upcoming project next week?" Mika spoke, curious. 

"Hmm, maybe your house?"

"Oh, all right then… Later night?"

"Yeah, that's fine by me. I don't really know where your house is, can I walk with you home then? That way, I now know where your house is and we can review right after you eat dinner."

"S-sure!" Mika was slightly surprised by the offer to review at her house and take her home in the process.